LAKE ROBERTS – The annual Aldo Leopold Kid’s Fishing Derby at Lake Roberts in the Gila National Forest is back and bigger than ever, especially after being stocked with some record-breaking, native Gila trout.

The free event is Saturday, June 4, at Lake Roberts off N.M. 35 north of Silver City in southwestern New Mexico. The annual event had been postponed for the past several years while maintenance work was performed on the dam. Although the fishing derby is for children, the lake is open to fishing for anglers of all ages.

Native Gila trout from the Mora National Fish Hatchery, including some record-breaking, retired brood stock will be put into the lake just before the derby, said Jill Wick, Gila trout biologist for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The state record Gila trout, weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 20-inches in length, was caught in the Gila River in 2007.

June 4 is Free Fishing Day at public waters throughout New Mexico. No license is required, although bag limits and all other fishing regulations apply.

The Lake Roberts event will feature free fishing lessons and fishing rods and tackle to borrow. There also will be games and prizes for the kids. For more information, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

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